Provisional Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (subclass 494)

EMK Global

Benefits of the visa 494

Live, work and study only in designated regional areas of Australia for 5 years
Travel to and from Australia for 5 years
If eligible, apply for permanent residence(Regional Skilled Visa subclass 191) after 3 years from the time your visa is granted

Requirement

Be nominated by an approved work sponsor
Have an occupation on a relevant skilled occupation list
Have a suit able skills assessment for the occupation
Be under 45 years of age
You must have at leastCompetent English (IELTS 6.0 or PTE 50)

Visa Fee Charge

Starting fee: From AUD 4,640.00.
Main applicant charge: AUD 6,140.00.
Additional applicant aged 18 or over: AUD 3,070.00.
Additional applicant under 18: AUD 1,535.00.
Non-internet application charge: Not applicable.
Subsequent temporary application charge: Not applicable.
These charges apply to: Employer Sponsored stream Labour Agreement stream Subsequent entrant stream
Second instalment: AUD 4,890.00 for applicants aged 18 or over who are assessed as not having functional English
Second instalment for other applicants: Nil.
Nomination and sponsorship fees may also apply.

Last Updated: 15 September 2026

Processing Time

Employer Sponsored Stream 50% of applications are processed within 4 months. 90% of applications are processed within 12 months. The visa is currently within the standard processing timeframe.
Labour Agreement Stream 50% of applications are processed within 3 months. 90% of applications are processed within 11 months. The visa is currently within the standard processing timeframe.
Important Information
Processing times are indicative only and may vary depending on individual circumstances.
Applications may take longer if required documents or information are missing.
Applicants can check their application status and submitted documents through ImmiAccount.
The Department of Home Affairs may contact applicants if further information is required.

Last Updated: 15 September 2026

Your Obligations

8515: Must not marry or enter into a de facto relationship before entering Australia.
8578: Must notify the Department if your passport or contact details change.
8579: Must live, study and work only in a designated regional area.
8580: Must provide evidence of your living, study, or work address if requested.
8608: Must work only in the nominated occupation

Last Updated: 15 September 2026

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How to Apply for an Australian visa?

Step 1: Complete the Visa Application Form for sponsor via the online IMMI Account
Step 2: Employer approved to be a sponsor
Step 3: Employer nominates overseas worker (the applicant) for a skilled position
Step 4: Submit your skill assessment and get a positive outcome
Step 5: Gather your documents (identity, Skills assessment documents, etc)
Step 6: Complete the Visa Application Form
Step 7: Pay the Visa Application Fee
Step 8: Complete the biometrics collection and health examination

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Frequently Asked Questions

If you don’t find an answer to your question below, feel free to get in touch with one of our agents, they will be more than happy to share their wisdom.

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How long is a visa 494 valid for?

Visa 494 is valid only for five years. You cannot extend this visa, but you may apply for permanent residence after three years if you meet the eligibility criteria

Can I get permanent residence with visa?

While the visa 494 doesn’t get you permanent residency automatically in Australia, you can apply for permanent residence after three years of residing in Australia via191.

Can I change my sponsor after applying for visa 494?

No, you have to start the whole process again with the new sponsor.

Can I provide a skill assessment outcome after submitting a visa 494 application?

No. You have to submit them at the same time.

I’m holding visa 482. Can I submit the skills assessment when applying for visa 482 to apply for visa 494?

Yes. You can also consider whether you meet the requirements to apply for the Subclass 186 visa to become an Australia permanent resident